inward

1 of 3

adjective

in·​ward ˈin-wərd How to pronounce inward (audio)
1
: situated on the inside : inner
2
a
: of or relating to the mind or spirit
inward peace
b
: absorbed in one's own mental or spiritual life : introspective
3
: marked by close acquaintance : familiar
4
: directed toward the interior

inward

2 of 3

adverb

in·​ward ˈin-wərd How to pronounce inward (audio)
variants or inwards
1
: toward the inside, center, or interior
2
: toward the inner being

inward

3 of 3

noun

1
: something that is inward
2
inwards ˈin-ərdz How to pronounce inward (audio) -wərdz How to pronounce inward (audio) plural : innards

Examples of inward in a Sentence

Adjective moved towards the inward room for more privacy he's more inward with the president than most members of the cabinet Adverb The window faces inward toward the courtyard. He turned his attention inward. Noun the hunter cleaned the deer by slicing open the belly and removing the inwards
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Philippians 4:11-13 Spiritually, contentment is an inward trust inGod’s sovereignty and goodness thatproduces joy and peace, regardless ofwhat’s going on externally. Gerry J. Tucker, Austin American-Statesman, 6 June 2024 With her big inward eyes and perpetual glower, Northam effectively conveys Elsa’s restless, blinkered life. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
Adverb
Tips Inclusive Leaders Can Take Forward: Look inward to upbringing for lessons that can drive passion around inclusion. Simone E. Morris, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024 Farther west, a low-pressure weather system tied to the ongoing atmospheric river continued to shift inward from coastal areas, bringing with it rain and snow. Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 26 Nov. 2024
Noun
Sometimes the inward and the outward can make for an interesting blend, converging in a house party feel of sorts. Angelo Flaccavento, CNN, 17 Jan. 2023 One hundred feet of skid marks scarred the highway, and cracks throughout the vehicle’s windshield, according to an expert from Ford Motor Co., appeared to have been caused by simultaneous inward and outward forces. Alexis Oatman, cleveland, 13 Jan. 2023 See all Example Sentences for inward 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Old English inweard (akin to Old High German inwert), from in + -weard -ward entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inward was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near inward

Cite this Entry

“Inward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inward. Accessed 12 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

inward

1 of 2 adjective
in·​ward ˈin-wərd How to pronounce inward (audio)
1
: situated on the inside : inner
2
: of or relating to the mind or spirit
an inward peace
3
: directed toward the interior
an inward flow

inward

2 of 2 adverb
variants or inwards
1
: toward the inside, center, or interior
2
: toward the mind or spirit

More from Merriam-Webster on inward

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